D.C. attorney general: Ethics bill has 'major flaws'

WASHINGTON (AP) - District of Columbia Attorney General Irvin Nathan says there are "major flaws" in a comprehensive ethics reform bill being considered by D.C. Council.

Nathan testified on Monday that the bill introduced by Council Chairman Kwame Brown and Democratic Councilwoman Mary Cheh would frustrate his own office's efforts to investigate public corruption.

The bill would create a new Office of Government Accountability with broad powers to investigate lobbying, conflict of interest, financial disclosures and other ethical matters.

Earlier this month, Nathan filed a civil lawsuit accusing Council member Harry Thomas Jr. of misusing more than $300,000 in city money intended for youth baseball on an SUV and trips. Thomas has denied the charges. Brown's campaign finances are also under investigation.